Political signage rules will focus on fairness

By
Kylie Stevens

BLACKTOWN Council has recommended adjustments to its election signage policy and guidelines.

election signs at traffic lights, which will be against revised Blacktown Council guidelines

BLACKTOWN Council has recommended adjustments to its election signage policy and guidelines.

A report follows complaints to the council from staff and campaign managers of political candidates during last year's federal election.

"The proliferation and location of temporary electoral signs during election periods causes a large number of complaints to council that creates a drain on resources involved in the inspection, removal and storage of the signs," the report said.

"The lack of formal process offers no protection to council officers from accusations of bias when conducting enforcement."

The report recommends the most effective option is to only take action against signs deemed to cause a hazard to public safety or are on council property or public reserves.

Any sign placed on traffic signs or lights (pictured last year) will be removed and impounded as they are considered a distraction to motorists.

Signs will also be removed if they are on council owned property.

Signs on footpaths can remain as long as they don't block pedestrian access and are placed along the property boundary.

"This report proposes a balanced approach to acknowledge the capacity of council to deal with this issue, maintain community safety and amenity and still ensure candidates are able to promote themselves," the report said.

The proposed guidelines will apply to federal, state and local government elections.